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Baltimore Catechism No. 3

Grace After Meals

5 questions and answers

Q. 111.Say the Grace after Meals.
A.We give Thee thanks for all Thy benefits, O Almighty God, who livest and reignest for ever; and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Q. 112.What does "Grace" at meals mean?
A."Grace" at meals means the thanks we offer God for the food we are about to receive or have just taken.
Q. 113.Why should we say "Grace" at meals.
A.We should say "Grace" at meals to show our gratitude to God, who has given us all we possess and daily supplies our wants.
Q. 114.Is it wrong to despise or waste our food?
A.It is wrong to despise or waste our food, because we thereby slight the goodness of God, who owes us nothing.
Q. 115.Is it a sin to neglect "Grace" at meals?
A.It is not a sin to neglect "Grace" at meals, but only a mark of our ingratitude; for if we are to thank God for all His gifts we should do so especially at the time they are given.